HVAF partners with Midwest Food Bank

Oftentimes, veterans come to HVAF with nothing but the clothes on their back and entering a new year is no different. To help, Midwest Food Bank is partnering with HVAF for the first time to supply over 4000 pounds of food and hygiene items once a month for its more than 200 homeless veterans.

The Center for American Progress estimates that 1.5 million veterans are at risk of homelessness due to poverty, lack of support networks, and dismal living conditions in overcrowded or substandard housing.

"We believe it's important to address the specific needs of veterans," says John Whitaker, Executive Director of Midwest Food Bank. "As Americans, we must remember and recognize the sacrifices they have made for our country, and making sure veterans have shelter and warms meals is a simple yet critical way we can do that."

Through Midwest Food Bank, HVAF qualifies to receive much needed relief of goods each month. HVAF provides three meals a day for veterans who are getting back on their feet after facing homelessness.

"I was homeless. I had no idea where I was going to get my next meal and there's nothing worse than waking up hungry, cold, tired and just not knowing what you're going to do the next day," said Ken N.

Meals provided by Midwest Food Bank will help veterans like Ken by filling the HVAF food pantry.

"Certainly during the holidays the need is great, but the need is great throughout the year and many people forget this as we enter into the new year," says Ron Shelley, HVAF's COO.  We encourage all Hoosier residents to keep HVAF in their thoughts and support our veterans and to donate."

HVAF also provides and distributes food, clothing, and hygiene items to 200 additional homeless veterans each week through outreach efforts.

You can help contribute as well. Click here to make your on-line donation. http://www.hvafofindiana.org/take-action/

40,000 Pounds of Giving teams up with HVAF

Bring canned and packaged food to the annual Circle of Lights Celebration downtown on Monument Circle on 11/29 for collection by 40,000 Pounds of Giving for veterans at HVAF. HVAF staffers will be along the Circle to collect your canned food donation. You can also make a monetary donation to HVAF. 

"We're encouraging all Hoosiers to show up with canned goods," said Carl Denny organizer of 40,000 Pounds of Giving.

People who drop off donations don't even have to get out of their cars. HVAF vans will be set up along the Circle. Donations will be used to stock the shelves of the HVAF food pantry which helps feed homeless veterans who turn to HVAF for a warm meal.

"We're serving 3 meals each day and providing canned food for an additional 200 homeless veterans through our outreach efforts. This is a busy time of year," says VP of Marketing Debra Des Vignes.

"Get into the holiday spirit and donate a few cans of food and help those who served us," Denny adds.

You can donate during the Circle of Lights Celebration on Friday, November 29 from 6-8 p.m.